Sunday, Jun 22, 2014 at 18:35
Wato
I have a 05 Tavn, hasn't had as much use as I would like. You have to accept nothing is perfect and many things are a compromise with different vehicles.
As far as off road, no problems.
Storage isn't as big as a van but then what are you going to use it all for.
Vehicle economy is not substantially affected.
Under bed is a reasonable amount of storage and although they show plastic
bins x 6, I have made 3 full length ply drawers with lids which utilize the space better. Other gear is carried in the canopy of vehicle/wagon.
At rear of bed you can also have a portable box for anything you use often. Just goes on floor at rear when using interior.
Depending of fuel jerries required you can use specifically made containers or boxes to fit in the sides or the front 3 spots for additional gear.
There is a locker on the RHS (varies in size with model/features)
I fitted a 60 litre car fuel tank forward of the axle and it can be used for fuel used while towing. Has internal electric pump, diesel to vehicle filler neck through a diesel fuel filter for water and gunk reasons.
When the vents are open and the rear has the mesh or the canvas extended there is air flow though and up. 12v fans ie , for 4wd use or large computer fan can be used to aid flow when really hot and provide cooling to the skin. You won't have your woolies on anyway.
In cold weather it is quite cosy inside.
Sleeping, we get in head first and sleep with feet to back. I slightly extended the end section and use a queen full size mattress.
If an earlier model they came with a short and long drawbar/A frame, longer ones clear rear doors on Prado/Pajero and have less ball weight applied to the ball for the same loading. I would prefer a longer one for that reason. All new are the longer, I believe.
I relocated battery to the rear , now see new Tvan has also.
Set up time is quick and if raining the hatch is released and the rest done largely under cover.
Solar panel and charger will assist the onboard battery if fridge is also used in the Tvan.
Camp chairs and table are carried on the bed and easy to access when required.
Rear deck when down but not fully out has an aluminium plate section to stand on, Nowhere near wide enough. I asked for it without and made my own wider one.
Dust, Only dust which got in came in through faulty manufacture of side panel meets floor rear of bed and was rectified.
AnswerID:
534807
Follow Up By: wholehog - Sunday, Jun 22, 2014 at 19:26
Sunday, Jun 22, 2014 at 19:26
Well said
Ross.
They breathe and ventilate
well...unless you hop in and shut the door, then they are very snug in winter.
I have a set of slide drawers from a Landcruiser under our bed, storage is good, and what ever else you may store in your 4wd. Its not exactly a caravan.
Bed is Queen length inner spring pillow top. You do get to sleep uner a hard top, not canvas. If it is raining, the canvas rear does not fold onto your bedding.
For 2 people wanting to get out into and through the boonies, they are a great camper.
FollowupID:
818568